Dean Wilkins, 25, of Tripack Close, in Fobbing, Essex, was given the sentence at Snaresbrook Crown Court after pleading guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and having an offensive weapon.

He had attacked Raheel Butt after their vehicles nearly hit each other in Hornchurch.

Judge Sarah Paneth said: “This was a terrible incident. It must have been absolutely petrifying.”

Mr Butt had been travelling home from work along Appleton Way on January 9 when Wilkins suddenly pulled out from a pub car park in his Ford Fiesta.

Mr Butt managed to avoid a collision, but flashed his lights at the driver before continuing on his journey, the court heard.

Prosecutor Paul Casey said as Mr Butt approached his home, he noticed the vehicle was behind him, so got out to speak to Wilkins.

“He asked Mr Wilkins what his problem was, at which point the defendant walked right up to him and punched him to the right of his head,” said Mr Casey.

Wilkins then made his way to the boot of the Fiesta.

Mr Casey added: “He [Mr Butt] could see the defendant’s arm move and felt the defendant touching his face with something.

“Mr Butt could feel warm blood running down his face and knew he had been cut.”

Wilkins fled but was later found following a public appeal.

Stephen Requena, defending, said Wilkins should be given credit for his guilty pleas.

He added: “He explains that he would, if he had the opportunity, like to apologise to him [Mr Butt] personally.”

Judge Paneth said Wilkins would serve half of his sentence before being released on a four-year licence period.

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